As he navigates turbulent times with clarity, gratitude, and unshakable optimism, R&B/jazz guitarist Blake Aaron continues to channel hope into music that resonates deeply on both emotional and spiritual levels. That forward-looking mindset fuels his newly released Innervision Records single, “The Upside,” a vibrant, groove-driven statement that launches the next chapter of his career and serves as the first release from his forthcoming album Fire and Velvet.
“The Upside” arrives on the heels of the most successful year of Aaron’s recording career. In 2025, he scored two Billboard No. 1 singles — “Let’s Get Lost” and “Dare To Fly” — achievements that propelled him to Billboard’s No. 2 Artist of the Year. He also claimed the No. 1 Artist of the Year title on both the Mediabase and Radiowave charts, further solidifying his standing as one of contemporary jazz’s most dominant forces. “Let’s Get Lost” closed out the year as Billboard’s No. 5 single and Radiowave’s No. 4 single, capping a milestone year that saw Aaron earn his eighth and ninth No. 1 singles across all four major smooth jazz charts: Billboard, Mediabase, Radiowave, and SmoothJazz.com.
Reflecting on the breakthrough year, Aaron expressed deep gratitude for the journey. Achieving multiple No. 1 singles in a single year across all major charts marked a personal and professional pinnacle. Being named No. 1 Artist of the Year on Mediabase and No. 2 Artist of the Year on Billboard pushed that success even further. For Aaron, the numbers represent more than chart positions — they signify a lifelong dream of reaching hundreds of millions of people emotionally and spiritually through his music, a dream he feels closer to realizing every day.
Determined to build on that momentum in 2026, Aaron released “The Upside,” which began earning immediate airplay and playlist adds upon impact. The track is a dynamic fusion of retro R&B groove and contemporary jazz sophistication. His agile electric guitar takes command from the opening bars, delivering lyrical phrasing with confidence and warmth. Sprightly horns, lilting strings, and a full, vibrant rhythm section create a cinematic soundscape bursting with energy and forward motion. The funky instrumental serves as both celebration and affirmation, showcasing Aaron’s signature melodic storytelling and expressive tone while delivering a timely message of resilience.
Aaron describes the inspiration behind the track as a response to the mounting challenges people face in everyday life — financial pressures, health struggles, career obstacles, and relationship hardships. “The Upside” is about finding light even when the climb seems overwhelming. He envisioned the song as an inspiring, bright, cinematic journey that transforms challenge into triumph through melody, groove, and musical optimism — something revitalizing, instantly memorable, and impossible to forget, reminding listeners that no matter where they are, there is always a way up.
The recording features an all-star lineup of collaborators. GRAMMY-winning bassist Mel Brown anchors the groove alongside Carnell Harrell on piano and keyboards, Michael White on drums, and Ramon Yslas on percussion. The horn section includes Michael Stever on trumpet and arrangements, Andrew Neu on saxophone, and Lane on trombone, while Tyries Rolfe crafted the lush string arrangements that elevate the track’s cinematic sweep.
Aaron’s latest album, Love and Rhythm, his seventh collection, was released in 2024 and further expanded his signature blend of smooth jazz, R&B, and soulful melody. Beyond recording his upcoming Fire and Velvet album — anticipated for release later this year or early next year — he is currently producing four additional artists, continuing to shape the sound of contemporary jazz both on stage and behind the scenes.
A sought-after live performer, Aaron’s touring schedule remains robust. March dates include performances in Virginia and Delaware, as well as appearances at the prestigious Boscov's Berks Jazz Festival in Reading, Pennsylvania on March 25 and 26. In May, he travels overseas for concerts in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, including a featured performance at the Algarve Jazz Festival in Portugal. While in Europe, he will also teach music clinics at several universities, further demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and musical education. Later this year and again in March 2027, he will join the celebrated Dave Koz & Friends At Sea cruises, bringing his electrifying stage presence to international audiences at sea.
A first-call guitarist throughout his career, Aaron has recorded and/or performed with an eclectic roster of marquee artists including Philip Bailey, Sheila E., The Alan Parsons Project, The Gap Band, Lakeside, Ronnie Laws, Keiko Matsui, Warren Hill, Bobby Womack, and Carlos Santana. His versatility extends beyond the stage and studio, with film and television credits that include MADtv, Super Dave Osborne, and The Ben Stiller Show.
With chart-topping momentum, a powerful new single, and a global touring schedule ahead, Blake Aaron continues to ascend — turning optimism into artistry and proving once again that the upside is always within reach.
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